During their E3 presentation, Nintendo revealed Metroid Dread, the series’ first new 2D entry in over 20 years. For many years, rumours have circulated that a new 2D Metroid game was in the works, but this is the first time that there has been any official confirmation. The announcement comes as production on Metroid Prime 4 continues, however Nintendo had no news to give about that title. This is despite the fact that, according to shop lists, Metroid Prime 4 might be released in 2023.
Despite the fact that there hasn’t been much news regarding the brand in recent months, speculations of a possible Metroid Prime Trilogy Switch remake have circulated online. Michael Wikan, a former Retro Studios developer, debunked the accusations on Facebook. The primary designer claimed that a port would be impossible since converting the controls from the original Wii release to a standard controller would be challenging.
The firm introduced Metroid Dread, a completely new 2D side-scrolling entry in the long-running genre, during today’s Nintendo Direct at E3. The game, also known as Metroid 5 in the clip below, takes set after Metroid Fusion and has players exploring a new planet while Samus confronts a new robot called E.M.M.I. in a darker plot. It will be the first Metroid game to be released for the Nintendo Switch on October 8. Nintendo has revealed that two new Amiibo figurines based on Samus and E.M.M.I. will be released at the same time.
This isn’t the first time Samus has made headlines in 2021. A renowned Fortnite leaker stated in June that Epic Games approached Nintendo about licencing the rights to the sci-fi hero with the hopes of incorporating her in the battle royale game. However, the Japanese corporation was opposed to the proposal and refused to allow Epic to include Samus in Fortnite. The reasons for Nintendo’s decision are unknown, but it appears that users will not be able to play as Samus anytime soon.
While some may be upset by the lack of updates on Metroid Prime 4, the announcement of a new 2D Metroid game will undoubtedly delight longstanding fans of the franchise. Metroid Dread has been speculated for so long that many people have given up hope that it would ever be released, thus the news is also a huge relief in that regard.
